Why the Reliable Reliable Method Is the Most Reliable
You can take screenshots on Xiaomi in a dozen ways: gestures, voice, notification panel, or even Google Assistant. But the physical button method remains the most versatile one, and it works on all Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models, regardless of MIUI version or sensor state. For example, if you have a broken screen but the buttons are good, you can still take a picture.
Another advantage is speed, and the button combination is instantaneous, whereas gestures or menus require additional action, which is critical in games, when streaming, or when you need to fix an error that disappears after a second, and the button method is independent of the system settings, and even if you turn off all the alternatives, it will remain available.
The main combination is Power + Volume Down.
The standard way that works on 99% of Xiaomi devices is to press the Power and Volume button simultaneously.
- Open the screen you want to capture.
- Press the Power button (right) and Volume Down (left) for 1-2 seconds.
- Wait for the characteristic shutter sound or visual animation (screen blinking).
On the newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12) vibration can be triggered instead of sound - that's normal.
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If you have a magnetic lock case, remove it before the screen - the magnet can block the power button.
⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) Long-term retention of this combination can cause the reboot menu.Push quickly and sharply, without holding the buttons longer than 2 seconds.
The alternative combination is Power + Volume Up.
Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) or custom firmware devices can use the reverse combination Power + Volume Up. This method is also useful if the volume button is faulty.
How to check if your smartphone supports this method:
Press Power + Volume Up for 1 second | Listen to the shutter sound or check the gallery | If it doesn't work, try holding 2-3 seconds (on some firmwares the delay is longer)
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If neither of these combinations works, you probably have button screenshots turned off in the settings to enable them:
- Go to Settings → Additional → buttons and gestures.
- Find the screenshot buttons and activate the switch.
- If necessary, choose the preferred combination (Power + Vol Down or Power + Vol Up).
Features on models with the Bixby button
Some Xiaomi devices (such as the Mi 11 Ultra or Mix Fold) have an additional programmable button that can conflict with standard combinations.
- 🔧 Check if the Bixby Start or Voice Assistant function is assigned to the side button.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Buttons and gestures → Side button setting.
- 🔄 Choose Screenshot or No Action.
If the button is set to launch the application, it can block the standard combination, in which case try holding the buttons longer (up to 3 seconds) or use an alternative method through the Notification Panel.
Redmi Note 10/11/12|POCO F3/F4/F5|Xiaomi 11/12/13| Another model |I don't know the model
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Screenshots on devices with mechanical buttons
Xiaomi smartphones with retractable cameras (Mi 9T, Redmi K20) or physical buttons (Black Shark) can have nuances:
| Model | Feature | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi 9T / Redmi K20 | The camera blocks the Volume Up button. | Use Power + Volume Down or gesture |
| Black Shark 4/5 | Gaming triggers can conflict | Turn off triggers in Shark Space |
| Mi Mix 2S/3 | Ceramic case - buttons tight | Press with force or use a stylus. |
Black Shark also offers a screenshot of the physical L1/R1 triggers in the game mode settings, which is convenient for gamers who want to capture moments in games without pause.
What to do if screenshots are not saved
Sometimes a picture is taken (sound heard) but doesn't appear in the gallery.
- 📁 Folder hidden: Check the folder DCIM/Screenshots File Manager (for example, Mi File Explorer).
- 🚫 Recording ban: Give permission to access storage for Screenshots app in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
- 🗑️ Autocleaning: In Settings → Warehouse → Clean up turn off automatic screenshot removal.
- 🔄 Application Conflict: Remove third-party screenshot utilities (e.g. Screenshot Easy).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), screenshots are saved by default in.png format without compression and take up a lot of space. To change the format to.jpg, use the application MIUI Hidden Settings.
How to recover lost screenshots?
Comparison of the push-button method with alternatives
Buttons aren't the only way to take a screenshot, but let's compare it to other options:
| Method | Speed. | Reliability | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | ⚡ Instantly. | ✅ It always works. | Universally, especially when the system fails |
| Gesture (three-finger conduction) | 🐢 Slower. | ❌ Maybe it doesn't work with the case. | For quick access without buttons |
| Notification panel | 🐢 2-3 seconds | ✅ Stable. | If buttons or gestures do not work |
| Voice assistant | 🐌 Slowest. | ❌ Demands the Internet. | For people with disabilities |
The button method is more reliable, but it loses in convenience when used frequently, for example, to create long screenshots (scrollable pages), it is better to use the notification bar or the MIUI Screenshot application.
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Buttons are the only method that works in Safe Mode and when the Internet is off.